Computational Physicist for Accelerators

Computational Physicist for Accelerators

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Geneva, Switzerland

CHF 6,372 - 7,004 per month net

What you'll do

This position focuses on the development and deployment of beam optimisation and machine learning (ML) tools for the CERN ion accelerator complex. The objective is to transform expert-driven optimisation and ML methods into reliable operational solutions that enhance beam performance and support high-intensity operation.

Your responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and improvement of beam optimisation software tools for particle accelerators.
• Analyse operational and instrumentation data to identify opportunities for improving beam performance and efficiency.
• Participate in the testing, validation and deployment of optimisation and ML tools in an operational environment.
• Develop automated procedures for accelerator setup, tuning and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with accelerator physicists, operators and software developers to understand operational needs and implement practical solutions.
• Support beam commissioning and performance studies by applying data analysis and optimisation techniques.
• Document software developments, operational procedures and study results.
• Present progress and results at technical meetings and collaborate with experts from different disciplines.

Your profile

• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis, preferably using Python.
• Familiarity with numerical methods, optimisation techniques, or machine learning approaches is an asset.
• Interest in particle accelerators, beam physics, control systems, or large scientific facilities.
• Experience working with scientific software, simulations, or experimental data.
• Familiarity with software development tools such as version control systems (e.g. Git) is an advantage.
• Ability to analyse complex problems and develop practical solutions.
• Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams through academic or research projects.
• Your studies focused on Applied Physics, Computer Science.

Your skills

• Python.
• Scientific computing.
• Machine learning techniques & tools.
• Git.
• Linux.
• Experimental data analysis.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
• By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.